Barnham (Arun) recorded a crime rate of 7.1 per 1,000 residents in October 2023, placing it 11.3% below the UK average of 8.0. This figure, while showing a 34% increase from September, underscores the area’s position as a relatively low-crime built-up zone within a rural district. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 33.9% of all incidents, followed by shoplifting (20.3%) and criminal damage and arson (10.2%). The seasonal context of October—characterised by darker evenings, the transition to British Summer Time, and Halloween—likely contributed to fluctuations in crime patterns. For instance, the 140% month-on-month rise in shoplifting may be linked to increased retail activity or the influence of seasonal shopping, though this category remains significantly above the UK average. Violence, while a major concern, was 11% below the national rate, possibly reflecting Barnham’s smaller population and lower density, which may reduce opportunities for certain offences. Meanwhile, bicycle theft surged to 5 cases, 500% above the UK average, tied to the area’s cycling infrastructure or local demographics. These patterns illustrate how Barnham’s crime profile, shaped by its rural-urban mix, diverges from the national picture in both scale and composition.